Travelling and prescriptions for Pred.

[hiandri]

Hi,

In May I will be travelling from NZ to the USA in May for one month. Losing your Pred. for whatever reason is always a concern. Can I get a prescription for Pred. from my GP in NZ to carry with me and hand it to a pharmacist in the USA to fulfill if necessary? If not, what would be the process to get Pred. in the USA? Any idea of cost? All comments welcomed. John

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi John,

Can't answer for USA, but sure you will get replies in a few hours when they wake up!

When I came to NZ for 6 weeks I got enough medicationfrom my GP to last the entire time and carried it in my hand luggage, not in the hold in case of that scenario! However, I did take a copy of my prescription just in case I needed it.

[hiandri in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL, I will be doing the same but I'm a person who believes in lots of back up! Just in case! I would rather go a bit overboard than wish I had. Regards John

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to hiandri]

Yes, quite sensible.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Like DL I get enough for the entire trip and spare. It goes in hand luggage, never in the checked luggage.

I doubt a NZ prescription would be valid in the USA or anywhere else but carrying one plus a letter saying why you are on it would probably be enough to persuade a pharmacy to provide at least an emergency supply until you could get to a doctor. In some countries you can get it OTC but I doubt the US is one of them! Spain, Central America - no problem!

That is what medical insurance is for...

[hiandri in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks John

[edmonton in reply to PMRpro]

Hello again, talking about travelling and being on holiday. What is the rule on alcohol, have just read about somebody here saying they would have a glass of red wine. I would dearly love to have even just one small glass daily of red wine, so on 10mg of Pred would this be ok or better to stick to the water?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to edmonton]

If you can't have a daily glass of wine I'm in serious trouble!!! There are no rules - it isn't a drug where alcohol is likely to cause trouble by potentiating the effect. Some of us have found heavy reds were out - not sure if that was the pred or the illness tbh. My taste has changed, I expect a white to have some body these days which I didn't before.

[edmonton in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the quick reply, I would be so delighted if I could just have one small glass a day, I wouldn't ask for more!! So that's wonderful thank you. I will enjoy my holiday even more thinking that I can participate sometimes!

[1Purplecrow]

Hi, no OTC in the US, however PMRPros suggestion is good. Pharmacists know about pred, and since it isn't one of the known recreational (or addict) choices, you should be safe. I, however, always split up my pred between carry- on case, hand bag, and checked luggage. Even give spouse a small vial(labeled), just in case!

Did I MENTION I'm a bit obsessive about my dear friend prednisone. I don't want to take any chances with my miracle drug....

Cheers, and happy travels. Jerri

[hiandri in reply to 1Purplecrow]

Thanks Jerri , I'm doing all the obvious and I know how great Pred is! Regards John

[9lives]

Hi Hiandri

When I travel I always carry two lots of Meds with me . One in my hand bag the other in hand luggage. Plus extra pills just in case I loose some. I also carry my prescription with me just in case, although depending where you travel too.

It's always a worry but , as the girl guides say , "be prepared ".

Showing my age ha ha . Dib dib dob dob xx

Carole

[hiandri in reply to 9lives]

Thanks Carole. John